It only makes sense to upgrade the wedding band if you upgrade the finger you're putting it on.

You wouldn't spend $10k to rebuild an engine of a 40 year old car that has chipped paint, a dented frame and a rusted undercarriage, would you?

imbatman

Nerdy Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 9:37a

no. used grandmothers rings from both sides (3 rings total). Sentimental value > the size of a diamond.

mimi6789

Senior Member - 1K

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 9:45a

Happily married for 23 years. I don't wear a ring, neither my husband.

Why not? Just don't feel the "need" of the ring to demonstrate (to others) our commitment to each other.

unimeg

Graceful Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 9:45a

My boyfriend and I chose a budget together ($3k), which we felt was enough to get a ring that would be nice and quality without compromising our other financial goals. Personally, the meaning for me is in the intention and the memories attached to it, not the size of the diamond, so I can't imagine "upgrading" in the future, although I know many do. It's a very personal decision though; I know many people are perfectly happy with a CZ stone and a SS band, or no ring at all.

ppatin

Focused.

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 9:51a

"Upgrade" would seem to imply some sort of improvement in functionality. How exactly is a more expensive diamond "better" at anything?

sharpie130

Senior Member - 1K

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 9:54a

cuz you can't see a non better fring from across the mall. that's why it's betterppatin said: "Upgrade" would seem to imply some sort of improvement in functionality. How exactly is a more expensive diamond "better" at anything?

xerty

Senior Member - 4K

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 9:54a

ppatin said: "Upgrade" would seem to imply some sort of improvement in functionality. How exactly is a more expensive diamond "better" at anything?Its original purpose was to provide bragging rights for the wife to her friends, and I'm sure a bigger pricier one will indeed be an upgrade in this capacity.

ubermichaelthomas

Tinkerbell

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 9:56a

xerty said: ppatin said: "Upgrade" would seem to imply some sort of improvement in functionality. How exactly is a more expensive diamond "better" at anything?Its original purpose was to provide bragging rights for the wife to her friends, and I'm sure a bigger pricier one will indeed be an upgrade in this capacity.

Yet, the male's bragging rights will be severely diminished by this future point in the marriage.

ppatin

Focused.

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 10:00a

unimeg said: Personally, the meaning for me is in the intention and the memories attached to it

If that's the case then why not skip the ring all together? Use the money to take a trip somewhere exotic and actually create some great memories together.

cherry3m

Greedy Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 10:12a

I did. After 20 years.

In 1990, I was a kid making $8/hr who bought her a ring from JC Penney. I think it was 10K gold with an arrangement of sand for a stone. After 20 years, I figured she wasn't a gold digger, and I had started to earn a real living.

I didn't go to Jared, though... I researched specific stones on several reputable diamond sites (Blue Nile, Amazon, and others) and settled on two that she and I liked. Ordered both set in a ring of her choice. When they arrived, we picked the one we liked best and returned the other.

She loves that new rock and what it represents, and I feel like I made a well-reasoned well-researched purchase (as reasonable as can be for jewelry).

Myself, I wear a plain gold band that is well worn. The original was cut off some 15 years ago when I broke my fingers playing basketball. This one will last until I break them again.

LAwoodtiger

Ancient Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 10:28a

mimi6789 said: Happily married for 23 years. I don't wear a ring, neither my husband.

Why not? Just don't feel the "need" of the ring to demonstrate (to others) our commitment to each other.

+1

The question I have is, "what is the goal of the ring?"

We both wear a plain band that doesn't have anything on it. It serves as a social vehicle that indicates our basic marital status and eliminates the anyone's need to ask. To have to 'demonstrate to others' sounds like there is an issue with insecurity, and an elaborate ring won't fix/validate the emotional climate anyway.

ubermichaelthomas

Tinkerbell

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 10:34a

LAwoodtiger said: The question I have is, "what is the goal of the ring?"

We both wear a plain band that doesn't have anything on it. It serves as a social vehicle that indicates our basic marital status and eliminates the anyone's need to ask. To have to 'demonstrate to others' sounds like there is an issue with insecurity, and an elaborate ring won't fix/validate the emotional climate anyway.

A better question is "what is the goal of marriage?" It serves as a social vehicle that indicates your basic relationship status and eliminates anyone's need to ask if you're single. To have to 'demonstrate to others' what your relationship means sounds like there is an issue with insecurity and the elaborate legal contract of marriage won't fix/validate the emotional climate anyway.

Very interesting. I've been contemplating a similar (but opposite) thread for a while now.

My wife and I have been married for over 10 years and are very happy. But both of us are growing increasingly weary of paying $100+ a year just to insure a ring that, if the diamond reserves were ever opened up, would be near worthless. It just doesn't seem to make financial sense. As such, we have had numerous serious conversations about selling it, but I'm not sure either of us knows the best way to go about that to get maximum return. Plus we aren't overly eager because of the sentimental value. With that said, I am curious as to what percentage of appraisal value would be realistic to fetch.

We would not be looking to upgrade because her ring is a good one. However, I certainly can understand the thought process if someone simply got what they could. I happened to have received a large gift and used the funds to buy a ring that would have been impossible for me to afford otherwise. It was just very fortunate timing.

ryoung81

Senior Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 10:38a

Similarly to cherry, I was dirt poor when we originally got married and so my wife has a pretty, but not substantial ring.

We've discussed 'upgrading' the stone in her ring several times, but to get a stone that would be worth 'upgrading' to would be $10k+. When presented with that option she felt like there were better uses for that money. Thank god.

ryoung81

Senior Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 10:40a

DoctorDeals said: Very interesting. I've been contemplating a similar (but opposite) thread for a while now.

My wife and I have been married for over 10 years and are very happy. But both of us are growing increasingly weary of paying $100+ a year just to insure a ring that, if the diamond reserves were ever opened up, would be near worthless. It just doesn't seem to make financial sense. As such, we have had numerous serious conversations about selling it, but I'm not sure either of us knows the best way to go about that to get maximum return. Plus we aren't overly eager because of the sentimental value. With that said, I am curious as to what percentage of appraisal value would be realistic to fetch.

We would not be looking to upgrade because her ring is a good one. However, I certainly can understand the thought process if someone simply got what they could. I happened to have received a large gift and used the funds to buy a ring that would have been impossible for me to afford otherwise. It was just very fortunate timing.

Sounds like a perfect thing to 'keep in the family' and give to your child/grandchild.

suezyque

Duct Tape Rules

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 10:43a

I personally wouldn't put out thousands of dollars for an overpriced diamond. I would prefer a real 14K gold ring with a man made diamond(s). No one can tell the difference and I can have a much larger stone(s) for a much lower price. There's also the advantage that if the stone(s) ever fell out and was lost, that I wouldn't be frantic and feel like I lost 3K+

BrodyInsurance

Senior Member - 2K

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 10:45a

djtitati said: In the sea of "dump the car, get a crown vic" people, I'd like to entertain a discussion which I'm sure will prove to be equal parts insightful and entertaining.

For those who are married, have you ever upgraded your significant other's wedding band hardware? If so, why? If not, why not?

Contrary to so many of the recent posts, I'm not looking to rationalize anything or combat everyone's advice. I'm just curious to see how us FWFers weigh in on something like this!

I have not upgraded. I have no plans to do so. However, if we could easily afford it and my wife wants it, I would gladly do so.

In short, anything that my wife wants that we can easily afford, she can have.

bindercarrie

Enthusiastic Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 10:50a

I didn't "upgrade" per se, but husband did buy me a ring from here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mcfarlanddesigns Same sort of thing as other posters mention-wanted something other than the original pawn shop ring, but didn't want to spend a fortune. There really are interesting solutions out there if you look around, and if your wifey is willing to consider non-diamond solutions. I'm happy has pie having a fairly inexpensive, custom made just how I wanted it, ethical, American small business-made ring.

RedCelicaGT

1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 + 1/32 + 1/64

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 11:01a

People choose what best represents their values. I shopped around, got a good deal, and paid 3K for a 0.25 carat diamond for my wife 7 years ago. The stone is definitely not big and flashy, but is of nearly the highest quality. When jewelers look at the stone when it needs reset they always comment at the quality. No one else knows her diamond is about perfect. We make about 5X what we did then, but will likely never upgrade.

surfcaster

Ancient Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 11:16a

Was married 6 months after graduation so his/her rings are nice but not fancy. Could have afforded a larger one at the time but wtb said she preferred money spent on us. 30 years later she says any other ring would not be the one placed on her finger on wedding day and thus would not be her wedding ring and does not even understand the concept of upgrading. I tend to agree.

djtitati

Senior Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 11:20a

What made the thought enter my own mind was that ShaneCo has a pretty respectable trade-in policy. They'll give you the full credit of what you paid for your initial stone towards another one. So, as far as trade-ins go, you don't have to clinch your cheeks when you walk to the register. But I find myself saying, "that could be a dining room table, or a bathroom, or a year's car payments" etc. I suppose a lot of the value of the decision weighs on the perceived benefit a larger ring would give the wife (increased security feel-goodness, oogling friends, that "we finally made it" feeling).

RedCelicaGT

1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 + 1/32 + 1/64

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 11:22a

djtitati said: "that could be... a year's car payments"FWF members make payments on cars?

markkundinger

Senior Member - 2K

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 11:36a

Only been married a year and a half. But no plans on my side to upgrade the stone, it's a pretty decent one and the wife and I had a lot of fun shopping for it together. The engagement ring itself, however, is pretty darn cheap. While there's some sentimental attachment,it may literally wear out after a few years, and I can see an upgraded mount as being reasonable. (my wife already has a separate wedding band). Also, my own ring is a pretty cheap titanium one. If for some reason it gets lost or my finger gets too fat, I have no particular problem replacing it.

Andri77

Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 11:40a

imbatman said: no. used grandmothers rings from both sides (3 rings total). Sentimental value > the size of a diamond.

this - i have both my and my husbands grandmothers rings as my engagement/wedding set and my husbands band is my great-great-grandfathers band. total spent on rings <$100 for sizing and minor repair.

lantenon

Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 11:51a

RedCelicaGT said: djtitati said: "that could be... a year's car payments"FWF members make payments on cars?

Dividend payout > interest rate on car note.

RealEstateMatt

Happy Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 11:52a

The amount you "need" to upgrade the ring is in direct correlation to the preventative maintenance and upgrading of the finger in relation to the downgraded condition of the buyer either physically(you let yourself go) or behaviorally(Bunny Ranch receipt found by ring wearer). The worse you have gotten and the better she has been maintained(or upgraded), the more you need to upgrade the ring.

nwill002

Senior Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 12:06p

wife's engagement ring costed almost $4K... much more than what we originally set out to spend but we agreed no upgrades. I ended up with a $40 titanium band.

Dividend payout > interest rate on car note.and the costs associated with taxes and risk associated with owning the security?

mungbai

Dismembered Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 12:32p

DoctorDeals said: Very interesting. I've been contemplating a similar (but opposite) thread for a while now.

My wife and I have been married for over 10 years and are very happy. But both of us are growing increasingly weary of paying $100+ a year just to insure a ring that, if the diamond reserves were ever opened up, would be near worthless. It just doesn't seem to make financial sense. As such, we have had numerous serious conversations about selling it, but I'm not sure either of us knows the best way to go about that to get maximum return. Plus we aren't overly eager because of the sentimental value. With that said, I am curious as to what percentage of appraisal value would be realistic to fetch.

We would not be looking to upgrade because her ring is a good one. However, I certainly can understand the thought process if someone simply got what they could. I happened to have received a large gift and used the funds to buy a ring that would have been impossible for me to afford otherwise. It was just very fortunate timing.

Jeweler's Mutual is who I have been using for years. I had them strongly recommended by numerous insurance agents who could have simply selfishly added riders to the policies they sold me. However, the coverage is supposed to be significantly better than a traditional rider (especially for "mysterious disappearance"), and they very strongly encouraged me to go that route.

alfredtv

Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 12:42p

Looks like this is a very interesting topic. Thought I would weigh in on my situation. We married young (like another person) and it was actually right before I was deployed with the military. I couldn't afford much and did the best I could with what I had. Fast forward several years (and a very good happy marriage) and I was making significantly more money so I decided to do a combo thing. I took her ring and said I was getting it cleaned and upgraded the rock (went up to I think 2ct) and took the original and put it in a pendant. I gave them to her as an anniversary gift.

I look at it like this, I love my wife and she is a wonderful woman that has been by my side through a lot. If I can (without suffering) giver her something that I know she will keep and eventually pass on to our only daughter then I will do so. The comparison to a car is pretty rough, and I agree that a 40 year old car may not be worth the new engine. But, what if that 40 year old car actually means something to you and is a classic? Wouldn't you want to give it some TLC??

raringvt

Ancient Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 12:47p

I would never want my wife to upgrade her rings. To me, the history and meaning behind the rings should be more important than it representing our wealth. Even if I were to seriously strike it rich during my lifetime, I would hope my wife would still want to wear the 1ct ring she has instead of something more flashy. If nothing else, it would be a reminder of how far we've come together. To me, that couldn't be replaced by something bigger/better.

That being said, I can see perhaps giving her anniversary gifts that would "enhance" the rings such as wrap rings to add some add'l bling, etc.

LAwoodtiger

Ancient Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 12:56p

ubermichaelthomas said: LAwoodtiger said: The question I have is, "what is the goal of the ring?"

We both wear a plain band that doesn't have anything on it. It serves as a social vehicle that indicates our basic marital status and eliminates the anyone's need to ask. To have to 'demonstrate to others' sounds like there is an issue with insecurity, and an elaborate ring won't fix/validate the emotional climate anyway.

A better question is "what is the goal of marriage?" It serves as a social vehicle that indicates your basic relationship status and eliminates anyone's need to ask if you're single. To have to 'demonstrate to others' what your relationship means sounds like there is an issue with insecurity and the elaborate legal contract of marriage won't fix/validate the emotional climate anyway.

Not sure why you are getting the red's, but I think you're asking a fair question. For me, there were at least two non-emotional reasons (love? No different than consuming large quantities of chocolate) to get married:

djtitati said: ...But I find myself saying, "that could be a dining room table, or a bathroom, or a year's car payments" etc...a larger ring would give the wife (increased security feel-goodness, oogling friends, that "we finally made it" feeling).If you are thinking "dining room table, bathroom, year's car payments," then you haven't "finally made it."

If you went from minimum wage to comfortably weathly during your marriage, then why not replace that old tin band with a nice piece of custom jewelry? Nothing wrong with that. But if you have to sacrifice other things and need a trade-in on the old diamond, then you can't afford the indulgence. Move on.

djtitati

Senior Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 1:26p

yeah, in my situation, i know it's not a rational purchase ... which is why I didn't want to focus on it too much. but i think the questions is a good one for the community to look at. sometimes, guys on this site are quite blunt with how they talk about the utility of their wife, and I was interested to see how far that carried over into something like this

MDfive21

Nerdy Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 1:37p

we've been married for almost 4 years. i paid a total of $1500 for all 3 rings.. her .55 carat VVS G diamond in a simple mount, her band and mine, all in white gold. also paid a jeweler a few $ to bond the engagement and wedding band together.

we have simple taste in that area and less is more to us anyway. we didn't want to spend more (could have spent 2x that) but didn't feel the need to be flashy or have a target on her finger. i doubt we'll upgrade anytime in the next decade unless we somehow score a big sustainable pay increase and don't have anything better to do with the $$. though if that is the case, i'm sure she and i would prefer additional jewelry or something different altogether. i agree with the guys above who said that the ring as it was on the wedding day is 'the ring' and any adjustment or addition would diminish the sentimental value.

millerdca

Member

posted: Nov. 26, 2012 @ 1:38p

We did not "upgrade" my wife's wedding ring when our financies improved. She felt that any upgraded ring would not be her real wedding ring. Instead, we bought some nice diamond earrings.

Dividend payout > interest rate on car note.and the costs associated with taxes and risk associated with owning the security?

Penfed 1.49% loans can easily be made relatively risk free

Skipping 54 Messages...

UtahDealSeeker

Addicted Member

posted: Dec. 2, 2012 @ 5:00p

geo123 said: nothingevertodo said: geo123 said: umcsom said: I would like to publicly thank GEO123 for his help when I bought my diamond for my wife over 5 years ago.You're quite welcome. I cannot believe it has already been 5 years!

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